ELAC Meeting

Parents, you're invited to our last ELAC meeting of the year on Thursday, May 28 at 8:20 in the staff room. We are so excited to have one of our very own Country Lane first grade parents, Elda Vergara, talk about her journey as an English learner and how she has learned to help her son as he learns English as well. We would love to have you there! If you have any questions, please e-mail Chelsea Armann at carmann@moreland.org

THANK YOU!

I wanted to take a moment to thank all of my 5th grade families for the lovely flowers, cards, and surprises last Friday.  I was touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness.  Thank you for making me feel so special on Teacher's Day!
                             Fondly,  Mrs. Grove

Hello Fifth Grade Parents!

School is flying by and we only have 6 ½  weeks left!  It is incredible to see how responsible and mature these fifth graders have become!  They are looking taller, older, and more like middle school students every day.

Writing

We have completed our unit on persuasive and opinion writing.  Your child is already an expert at convincing you to do almost anything.  Don’t be surprised if you get a formal letter requesting their latest request!  Grammar and quick writes are also a focus this trimester.  All of our 5^th graders have signed up with Google Classroom where many of their tasks are being assigned.  Be sure to have them share some of these assignments with you.

Reading

Students are currently working in their Literature Circles.  Students are flexed among our four classrooms to work in small reading groups.  They had to plan out a four week timeline of reading, create three critical thinking questions, respond to two Depth and Complexity questions assigned on Google Classroom, hold meaningful discussions about the reading assignment, and reflect on their progress.

Social Studies

While investigating the various colonies, students practiced note-taking, created foldables, and worked in small groups to write a newspaper.  Students are now studying the events leading to the American Revolution.  Students have been placed into groups of three or four to create posters for one of these events. This week, we will hold a “Town Meeting”, where students, as patriots, will voice their concern about the English government.

Science

We have just finished the Earth’s Water and Earth’s Weather units. As we prepare for the Science STAR testing, we are simultaneously studying Physical Science in regards to Types of Matter and Changes in Matter, and science concepts from across grade levels.  Testing is on May 11 and May 12.

Math

We are completing units on area and volume and getting ready for the SBAC. This will be given to students on May 13-15  Each student may continue work on their Khan Academy accounts at any time. 6^th grade will be sending over placement tests for students to take at the end of May.

Smarter Balance Testing

As you may know, Moreland School District will not be giving the STAR test for Math and English Language Arts.  Instead, students have been busy preparing and practicing for the SBAC on line for these subjects. Fifth graders will, however, be taking the STAR for Science.  We would like your child to login at home to show you what the Smarter Balance test will look like, as well as give them more opportunity to continue their practice while at home.  Please see the following links and directions below to assist you with the website.

www.smarterbalance.org/practice-test/

Scroll down to the box: Take Practice Training

Click the green box: Practice Training Test

Scroll down again to the next green box:  Student Interface & Training

Login and Password are already set to “guest” – Sign in

Select Grade 5

Click on “yes”

Select desired Practice Test

Please feel free to check out the Training Tutorials:

http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/resources/

Scroll down until you find:

-          What is a Field Test?

-          Let’s Talk Universal Tools”

If you would like to see the student video:

http://youtu.be/YKerb7NsDUE

Fifth Grade Celebration

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 12 for our wonderful fifth grade celebration.  Your child will hear their last story read by Mrs. Ott, hear a few words of wisdom from Mrs. Ruddy, and watch a slide show of pictures sent in by you of their career here at Country Lane.

Where:  Multi-Purpose Room

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

*We would like to keep this event low-key and to clarify that this is not a graduation.  We ask that you do not bring balloons or gifts to the event.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

May

Friday, May 1 – International Faire

Thursday, May 7 – Latimer 6^th Grade Parent Information Night

Tuesday, May 5-8 – ELA SBAC

Monday, May 11-12 – Science STAR

Wednesday, May 13-15 – Math SBAC

Friday, May 15 – Art Show and Auction

Wednesday, May 20 - Open House 6:30-7:30pm

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day – No School

Wednesday, May 27 – Field Day 9-11:30am

Friday, May 29 – Last Day for AR quizzes/All library books due

June

Thursday, June 4 - Literacy Day

Friday, June 5 – Family BBQ

Monday, June 8 – Early Dismissal (1:40)

Tuesday, June 9 –  Early Dismissal (1:40)

Thursday, June 11 - 5th Grade pool party! 9:00-1:00 – Early Dismissal (1:40)

Friday, June 12 -  5^th Grade Celebration 10:30-12:00 Last Day of School out at 12:15

Thank you each for all you have done in making this an incredible year and helping your students be so successful in 5^th grade!

Sincerely,

Miss Smith, Mrs. Grove, Miss Bustillos, and Miss Enrico

Spring Conferences 3/19 - 3/20

Dear 5^th Grade Families,

Our second trimester is over.  How is that possible?!!  Please look for your child’s report card on March 18^th.  Conferences for upper grades are optional.  Your child’s teacher will or in some cases already has contacted families of students for whom we have concerns. However, if you have concerns or questions, please feel free to email us to schedule an appointment in person or on the phone. 

One question that comes up quite frequently this time of year is, “What is the best middle school placement for my child?”  Moreland has three 6^th grade options for the 2015/16 school year, all of which offer strong academic programs.  They are:  Moreland Middle School (6-8), EDS (TK-8), and Latimer (TK-6.)  Country Lane 5^th graders automatically attend MMS unless they are accepted through the Open Enrollment process at EDS or Latimer.  If you wish to complete Open Enrollment paperwork for EDS, be sure to do so before March 31.  (The Open Enrollment period for Latimer will be extended to allow parents to attend their Information Night on April 30  ( May 7) before making a decision.)  We encourage you to visit both the EDS and Moreland Middle School sites.  Tours and shadow days are available.  You may also sign up for a K-5 tour at Latimer to get a feel for the campus.  You know your child best and the environment they need in which to flourish. 

Your 5^th graders have been preparing all year for their transition to middle school.  Structuring multiple projects, giving shorter time-lines on projects, rotating to other classes, note-taking, test preparation, organizing and maintaining binders are all opportunities and skills your child has experienced this year.

We are here to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Miss Bustillos        Mrs. Grove            Miss Smith            Miss Enrico

Friday, February 13

Our last morning has been bittersweet.  We are anxious to get home to our own beds, but it is hard to leave this beautiful vista and the learning in the out-of-doors.  We packed up and have our luggage ready for the buses.  Breakfast included french toast, fresh fruit, hot cereal, and cold cereal.  With a shorter hike today and one last lunch with our field instructors, we will be heading home soon.

1.  We will be leaving Science Camp between 12:00-12:15.  Mrs. Grove will call the school to let them know we are on our way home. Should there be any delays or traffic issues, we will contact the school office.

2.  Please pick up your child at 1:30 p.m.... As students exit the bus, they should gather their luggage and plastic bags.  It is extremely important that you check out with your child's teacher.

We hope you see the same growth and changes in your child that we had the joy of witnessing during this tremendous week at camp.

Enjoy your President's Week off....the teachers will be napping a lot!

Thursday, February 12

Lots of sleepy heads this morning!  Today was a little more difficult to get up.  Three days of hiking can burn a lot of energy.  Students headed to the Cypress Room for journaling and morning announcements.  As usual, breakfast was delicious.  Food choices included scrambled eggs or eggs with sausage and cheese, hash brown potatoes, granola muffins, a variety of cereal, yogurt, and a wide selection of fresh fruit!  Two more groups headed to Muir Woods today for their forest ecosystem exploration.  Two groups explored the Marine Coastal Lab and Fish Bowl.  One group headed up and over Ice Plant Hill and explored the tide pools at the beach. We have had another sunny breath-taking day at the coast.  Many students are realizing that we go home tomorrow and are a bit disappointed.  They miss their families, but are truly enjoying this wonderful experience.  As their teachers, we have observed such growth and confidence in so many of our students.

**If you happen to see any of our parent chaperones upon our arrival on Friday, you might want to give them a big thank you!  They have been so patient and supportive with your children.  They have encouraged them when the hiking got tough, sat with them if they seemed sad, helped with boots and clothing issues, checked to make sure they were showering and eating a healthy/balanced meal.  We couldn't have done it without their sense of humor and patience!  THANK YOU FROM THE 5TH GRADE TEAM!


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When students returned from hiking, there were stories of building sand replicas of the Headlands Institute's water shed, team challenges, amphibian life cycle, tree skits, and camouflage games.  After a sunny free time, we did our daily journals and ate another amazing dinner.  It was pizza and salad night with hot minestrone soup.  Our final evening program was a campfire.  Students participated in skits and camp songs around a blazing fire.  The night is cold and clear with beautiful stars.  Students are heading back to the dorms for their last night's massive sleepover.

Yes...I am kissing a banana slug....who's next??

Wednesday, February 11

More Sunshine! Today is absolutely a glorious day. Everyone slept well after their busy day yesterday and were just a bit less eager to get up. Your children are doing so well and are having so much fun! I can't express to you enough all of the compliments we continue to receive about Country Lane 5th graders' model behavior, enthusiasm, and wonder. They are getting quite used to the new routine and becoming independent by; showering, dressing, making up their bunks, and clearing dishes for each other. Groups have opportunities to sweep floors, do extra clean up duty, and help maintain the composting program. Students added to their journals this morning and had their daily meeting. Breakfast included pancakes with blueberry syrup, sausage, a fresh fruit bar, cereal, and hot oatmeal. We are definitely not going hungry! Better yet, we don't have to do any of the cooking! One parent chaperone was heard saying, "This is a beautiful thing!"  As we headed out for our morning hike, students were surprised by a visit from our Principal, Mrs. Ruddy, and Vice Principal, Mrs. Armann.  Thank you for coming out to see us!

Hiking groups came back so excited. Students shared stories of hiking through the woods, kissing banana slugs, and eating an entire apple (Hard Core Apple Core Club). Some groups experienced Solo Walks where students walk single file with large gaps separating them. This gives them an opportunity to observe and listen very closely to nature. One group hiked to a vista of the San Francisco Bay and explored bluffs and our intertidal tide pool lab. Others collected photo plankton from our lagoon and went to the microscope lab. “Newt Nation” was a fun place to observe these fun little amphibians.  Many groups were able to visit the Marine Mammal Center today.  Students learned the difference between a seal and sea lion and observed many rescued pups rehabilitating.

Free time is only an hour, and our students never seem to lose their energy. Parent chaperones take groups to the beach, basketball and volleyball are available, and of course just down time in their dorms.

Tonight we had another delicious dinner. Tonight was homemade biscuits, steamed broccoli, and baked mac’n cheese night.  A full salad bar was available with all the options. After a quick evening meeting, our students broke into groups to listen to Marine Mammal Myths. Students were challenged to create skits about various mammals. A few groups went on the night hike, and two groups prepared for their Muir Woods trip for tomorrow.  Wow!  Only one more full day at camp!

Tuesday, February 10

Students couldn't wait to get up and get ready for the day. Our students were up at 6:45 a.m. and, with over 40 boys or girls in each dorm, no one had difficulty getting up! Next, we had a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, muffins, cereal bar, fruit bar, milk and juice. After our short morning meeting - checking the weather and our "Garbology" statistics, hiking groups got together and were off at 9:30 a.m. The sun was shining and there was a nice crisp breeze and the ocean is breathtaking.

Be sure to check out our photos tonight on Miss Enrico's blog - you can link to it below.

Today was filled with amazing adventures and beautiful weather all day. Science focuses ranged from pond explorations, gathering specimens and microscope observations of various benthic organisms. Other groups focused on plant study known as phenology. The Marine Mammal Center was the hit of the day, as students toured the mammal hospital. Battery Townsley and Newt Nation were also part of today’s exploration.  Student enjoyed amazing views of the bay from Scottie’s Bluff.  Tonight, students journaled about their day and then headed to the dining hall. What will we have for dinner? We are hungry!

...and the answer is...teriyaki chicken, tofu curry, rice, Asian noodle salad, salad bar assortments, rolls, water and milk. We ate like kings! Students headed back to their dorms to get ready for the evening program, and yes, ---they are showering :)

Just another note: our parent chaperones have just been amazing.  They are truly dedicated to helping your child have a wonderful experience!

Monday, February 9

Dear 5th Grade Families,

We are having such an amazing time! As you may or may not know already, we arrived safe and sound on our luxury coach buses. Our bus drivers complimented the amazing behavior of our students. When we arrived, the fog and clouds parted and…NO RAIN TODAY! Students had a short orientation and set up their bunks quickly. We were out hiking in no time. We ate lunch out in the field. Some groups hiked the ridges nearby observing the natural surroundings and beautiful vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Others hiked to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, and some hiked around our lagoon with a visit to our Rodeo Beach.  The waves were incredible.  The phrase and theme for the week is "Water Shed". Hikers arrived back at campus about 4:00 for a quick meeting and free time. (By the way, many have already showered!) Students spent time journaling and headed to dinner about 6:00 p.m.

Dinner tonight was yummy spaghetti with a choice of marinara or meat sauce, rolls and an amazing salad bar. After dinner, we headed to our evening meeting program at 7:30 to hear our weather report and our Garbology weigh in. Tonight there were three evening programs.  Three groups set out on a night hike near the beach to study bioluminescence.  Three other groups prepared for their Muir Woods trip for tomorrow, and our last two groups enjoyed an evening of Marine Myths and Legends.  Students are currently getting ready for bed.  They will hear a bedtime story with lights out at 9:15. Science Camp is just too much fun!

P.S.  We are experiencing wifi difficulty....there may be some delays.

Middle School Information

Dear Parents - please check out the following dates and times for upcoming 6th grade information.

MORELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
February 5, 2015         5^th Grade Parent Night at MMS    6:30 p.m. (MU)

February 13, 2015      5^th Grade Parent Tour                     8:30 a.m.  OR

February 24, 2015     5^th Grade Parent Tour                     8:30 a.m.

    RSVP for tours to Judy Bush – 874-3301.  Please check in at office on

    date of tour.

March 20, 2015        5^th Grade Student Tour of MMS    9:30-11:30 a.m.

EASTERBROOK DISCOVERY SCHOOL

March 5, 2015           5th Grade Parent Tour                    8:20 a.m.

March 10, 2015         5th Grade Parent Tour                    8:20 a.m.

March 17, 2015         5th Grade Parent Tour                    8:20 a.m.

    Please call for tour appointment - 874-3500

Science Camp
Friendly Reminder:  Mandatory Parent Meeting


Date:  Tuesday 1/13

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Country Lane Multi-Purpose Room

Important information about our week at Science Camp will be presented.  If you can not attend due to child care issues, please contact your child's teacher.

The Fifth Grade Team